To help reduce unnecessary energy use and protect your home, experts recommend unplugging the following items once you’re done with them.
1. Space Heaters
Space heaters are convenient during colder months, but they require careful attention. Safety organizations note that they are among the most common sources of winter home fires, often because they are left too close to bedding, curtains, or furniture.
Modern heaters may include automatic shutoff features, but no safeguard is perfect. The safest approach is to turn them off and unplug them every time you leave the room and never run them while sleeping.
2. Clothes Dryers
Most people don’t realize that the electrical setup for a clothes dryer can still use a noticeable amount of power even when the appliance isn’t running. This can lead to unnecessary energy costs over the year.
If accessing the dryer’s outlet is inconvenient, consider using a smart power strip. With one switch, it can cut the power completely and prevent wasted energy.
3. Hair Styling Tools
Flat irons, curling wands, and similar tools heat to very high temperatures—hot enough to damage surfaces or nearby items if left unattended. While some models include automatic shutoff features, they cannot always be relied on.
The safest routine is simple: unplug the tool immediately after use and store it in a heat-safe pouch, allowing it to cool away from fabrics, paper, or countertop clutter.
4. Toasters and Toaster Ovens
These small kitchen appliances seem harmless, but they can still pose safety risks. A buildup of crumbs can smolder, and in some cases, the lever or heating mechanism can malfunction even when the appliance appears off.
Cleaning the crumb tray regularly and unplugging the toaster or toaster oven after each use helps reduce both fire risk and electrical draw.
